STAFF at a supermarket have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity.

Macmillan Cancer Support was the chosen Local Charity for Sainsbury’s Victoria Road store in Darlington to support over the last 12 months.

Workers organised various sponsored events, including cycling, running and social quiz nights and, with the help of the generosity of their customers, they managed to raise £2,727.

Marie Steward, Sainsbury’s charity organiser, said: “We were delighted to have achieved this total.

"Many of our customers and colleagues’ families have been affected by cancer and have benefitted from the wonderful services Macmillan Cancer Support have offered.”

Michelle Muir, the Macmillan local fundraising officer, said she was "amazed" at the total, explaining that it costs £28 per hour to fund a Macmillan nurse.

Since 2009, Sainsbury's stores have each selected a Local Charity of the Year to partner with, and raised thousands of pounds for good causes in the process.

For more information, visit www.sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk.